Expert in Pediatric Gastroenterology to Head University of Maryland Department of Pediatrics

Steven J. Czinn, M.D., a nationally-known pediatric gastroenterologist, has been named professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Dr. Czinn comes to the University of Maryland from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has served as professor of pediatrics and pathology and chief of the division of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.

“Steve Czinn has dedicated his entire academic career to patient care and research at the prestigious Case Western Reserve University,” says Donald E. Wilson, M.D., M.A.C.P., vice president for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, and dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “We are confident he will show the same determination and dedication to his new colleagues at the School of Medicine and the patients at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.”

Dr. Czinn earned his undergraduate degree from Case Western Reserve University and a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He completed a pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Czinn also is a member of the American Gastroenterology Association and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Jeffrey A. Rivest, president and chief executive officer of the University of Maryland Medical Center, says “Dr. Czinn is an outstanding choice for the position. He is a superb clinician and researcher as well as a proven leader who is committed to strengthening the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.”

Dr. Czinn's research interests focus on mucosal immunology, gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel diseases and the Helicobacter pylori micro-organism, which causes peptic ulcers. He is the lead author or co-author on more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and has served as an associate editor of the American Journal of Gastroenterology since 2003. He's also served as a reviewer for more than 15 academic journals.

“I was drawn to the University of Maryland School of Medicine by its proud history and bright future, particularly evidenced by its steady and significant increase in research funding during the past 10 years,” says Dr. Czinn. “The Department of Pediatrics faculty exhibits a sincere dedication to the children and families they serve and, through research, are seeking treatments and cures for many of the illnesses that all too commonly affect children. I look forward to working closely with the faculty, the School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center to build upon their strong tradition of keeping the children of Maryland as healthy as possible.”

Dr. Czinn's appointment is effective March 1, 2006.

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